It’s difficult to comprehend that Doom Metal can feel good, even in its most depressing forms. It gives the listener a sense of “sharing the pain,” or simply the reassurance that they are not alone in feeling this way. DRACONIAN live in this space, and with “In Somnolent Ruin” they have created an album to accompany, express, and help vent all the grimness surrounding everyone. With Lisa Johansson back on co-singing duty, the band takes a bold look into the void, acknowledges its existence, and delivers nine masterpieces.

VENOM is not the typical Metal band, and there are more than 666 reasons for that. Beyond their influence on multiple Metal genres, the band has endured arguments, legal battles, and likely many things a fan like myself will never fully know. It is not easy to remain impartial and focus solely on the music, but as an outsider, that's really the only option. Or perhaps it's just selfishness, choosing to listen to whatever carries the VENOM name or any of its derivatives. Either way, I was genuinely excited to hear that VENOM were finally breaking their eight-year studio silence with “Into Oblivion”.

“You all shall die…”

My introduction to ATREYU was in concert, when they were on the billing of a Metal festival. I remember being confused at first, as I could not pinpoint their style. I’m happy to say I didn’t close the door, and by the end of their set, I decided to give them a try. Still, I found myself undecided when trying to find the right label for “The End Is Not the End”, but then I realized that I don’t need to. If you approach the new ATREYU with zero expectations, ready to like whatever you… like, you will be rewarded with a 45-minute adventure.